Infographics are a game-changer in the B2B realm, turning dense data into visual narratives that captivate and inform. For marketing and sales teams who need to explain, persuade, and deliver results efficiently, these engaging graphics are valuable communication powerhouses.

The efficacy of an infographic hinges on how relevant or helpful the information is, as well as on how that information is presented. Unfortunately, infographic fails are common and can significantly undermine your message, credibility, and the professional image of your B2B business.

Drawing on our experience in infographic design services, this blog aims to steer your B2B company away from common pitfalls. We’ll delve into how not to tell a visual story, providing actionable tips on how to elevate your content. 

Through our list of 11 infographic fails to learn from, we hope to equip you with insights that drive engagement, foster understanding, and supercharge your visual content strategy. Let’s dive in!

11 infographic fails to avoid 

Creating effective infographics requires careful balance and design.

Unsuitable content and design choices can detract from your message, and many standard templates and layouts exhibit these issues. That’s why our clients prefer our customized infographic design services.

Here are 11 common mistakes that cause infographic fails with examples of templates and commonly-seen layouts illustrating what to avoid to ensure your visuals are impactful, clear, and engaging for your audience. We have also included written examples to further explain each problem: 

1. Too many details: Information overload

Infographic fails often stem from an eagerness to communicate too much at once. In the B2B context, where data is abundant, the challenge is to distill complex ideas into simple, engaging visuals, for example when you’re repurposing a blog into an infographic. Overloading an image with too much information can overwhelm viewers, leading to disengagement.

Example: An infographic that attempts to explain the entire ecosystem of digital marketing, cramming in topics like SEO, content marketing, social media, PPC, email marketing, and analytics, all on one overly complex graphic. 

2. Misleading or unclear visuals: The clarity challenge

Another common cause of infographic fails is the use of misleading or unclear visuals. In B2B communications, accuracy and clarity are paramount. Visuals that don’t accurately represent the data or are difficult to interpret can mislead stakeholders and damage your company’s credibility. 

Example: A bar graph representing company growth where the bars are scaled inconsistently or not proportional to the values they represent, creating a misleading depiction of success.

Tip: Learn more about data visualization vs. infographics to know which one is right for you.

3. Ignoring the target audience: Missed connections

Different audiences require different visual approaches; what resonates with one group may not with another. Producing an infographic without a clear understanding of your specific B2B audience is likely to result in an infographic fail; when the content doesn’t cater to the specific needs, interests, or challenges of its intended audience, it falls short.

Example: A B2B infographic targeted at financial professionals filled with colloquial language and pop culture references, failing to resonate with its audience’s professional interests and needs.

4. Poor color schemes: Visual disharmony

Underestimating the power of color can lead to a major infographic fail. Color can influence mood, highlight important data, and organize information. Incorrect or overly complex color schemes can make an infographic hard to read or interpret, detracting from the visual story you’re trying to tell.

Example: An infographic using a combination of neon colors that clash visually, making it difficult for readers to focus on the information, or font colors that blend into the background, reducing legibility.

5. Lack of simplicity and focus: The distraction dilemma

A big reason for an infographic fail is a lack of simplicity and focus. For B2B audiences, time is a scarce resource. Infographics that stray from their core message with irrelevant data or visuals don’t engage and educate efficiently. They can also be off-putting to potential clients, as they may feel you don’t value their time.

Example: An infographic meant to inform readers about the benefits of a new software tool includes numerous unrelated statistics about the internet, causing confusion and diverting attention away from the core message.

6. Text overload: The pitfalls of dense content

Dense text and overly long paragraphs can exhaust the viewer’s attention. Effective infographics use minimal text to make heavy, complex information light and easy to consume, ensuring the audience grasps the key points without feeling overwhelmed or bored.

Example: An infographic detailing the history of a corporation that substitutes a timeline for paragraphs of text without visuals, resembling a daunting essay more than an infographic.

Read: ‘How to Use Infographics to Meet Your Content Marketing Goals’

7. Visual overcomplexity: Clutter chaos

A cluttered visual is a surefire infographic fail, swamping the viewer with more design than data. The key to visual victory is a sleek balance where every element unites to tell the story or present the facts, without any noisy distractions.

Example: An infographic designed to depict different strategies for cost savings is overwhelmed with multiple pie charts, icons, and images all forced into one sheet, making it challenging to decipher where to focus first.

8. Confusing layout: Hierarchical hazards

A clear, logical flow ensures that the viewer understands the infographic’s progression. A lack of hierarchy can scatter the viewer’s attention, leading to a confusing and frustrating experience where the main points become lost.

Example: An infographic presenting a step-by-step guide to a process, with arrows pointing in multiple directions, leaving viewers puzzled about the correct order of the steps.

9. Inappropriate technical specifications: Resolution riddles

Using incorrect format, size, or resolution can distort an infographic’s appearance on different platforms, making it hard to read or visually unappealing. Proper technical specifications are crucial for maintaining visual clarity and impact.

Example: An infographic shared online is only suitable for print, resulting in pixelation and blurriness when viewed on high-resolution screens, hindering the audience’s ability to engage with the content.

10. Typography troubles: Readability concerns

Poorly chosen fonts or text spacing can reduce readability and cause an infographic fail. Good typography enhances understanding and guides the viewer fluidly through the content, making sure the key information is easily digestible.

Example: An infographic that uses a fancy script font for body text, causing difficulty in reading.

Read: ‘Typography Troubles: 5 Common Missteps in Choosing and Using Fonts’

11. Numerical inaccuracies: Data discrepancies

Accurate numbers are integral to B2B infographics, which often rely on data to argue or persuade. Inaccuracies in calculations or misrepresented statistics can lead to misinformation, damaging trust and credibility in the professional context.

Example: An infographic reporting on a company’s quarterly earnings shows percentages that don’t add up to 100% due to rounding errors, calling into question the accuracy of the reported financial data.

Leveraging infographic design services for success

When you work with a professional who specializes in infographic design services, you can tap into the benefits of turning complex information into clear, engaging visual stories that are customized to suit your brand and goals, while avoiding infographic fails. 

How do they do this? At Chittlesoft, for example, our designers work with you to understand your message, audience, and objectives, ensuring that every element of your infographic serves a purpose and contributes to your goals. 

We believe quality design services prioritize:

• Conciseness: Distill your message to its essence
• Clarity: Use clear visuals that accurately represent your data
• Audience targeting: Tailor your infographic to the needs and preferences of your audience
• Color psychology: Apply color schemes that enhance comprehension and viewer retention
• Focus: Keep the central message clear and avoid extraneous information

Crafting a compelling visual story

Now that you’re aware of some major don’ts, here are a few do’s. To put together and present an infographic that works, try completing these steps:

• Dive deep into audience insights: Understanding who your audience is sets the foundation and helps you avoid an infographic fail. For B2B contexts, this means integrating insights and data that mirror their professional landscape and speak directly to their unique needs and goals.
• Crafting clarity from complexity: The art of infographic creation lies in your ability to distill complex ideas into straightforward, visually appealing elements. This approach not only engages but also enlightens your audience, making the complex accessible.
• Iterative design for perfection: Creating a standout infographic isn’t a one-shot effort. It’s about refining through feedback, adjusting with insights, and continually polishing your visual message. This iterative review process is crucial for fine-tuning both content and design.
• Anchor your design in a core message: Before anything else, pinpoint the key takeaway or idea you want to share. This central message drives your narrative and design choices, ensuring consistency and preventing an infographic fail caused by clutter or a lack of focus.

Conclusion 

In the B2B context, infographics are excellent for storytelling and data communication. Steering clear of the typical pitfalls in infographic creation is key to unlocking its full potential.

Learning from common mistakes and actively seeking out expert infographic design services can empower your business to weave captivating visual tales that not only capture the attention of your target audience but also bolster your strategic goals.

Remember, a successful infographic is not just about avoiding fails; it’s about embracing a proven methodology to communicate complex information simply, accurately, and engagingly. To learn more about infographics and how you can leverage them, speak to our design experts.